Method of Visually Accenting a Piece of Jewelry

ABSTRACT

A method of visually accenting a piece of jewelry requires mounting a prominent decoration over an annular jewelry piece integrated with a plurality of inset ornaments. The method utilizes an annular jewelry piece, a plurality of prongs, a collar, and a prominent decoration. A plurality of inset ornaments is integrated into the jewelry piece. The prominent decoration is mounted over the plurality of ornaments by clearing a foundational surface from the outer surface. More specifically, the plurality of prongs is mounted into a plurality of mounting holes drilled into the foundational surface. The collar is then affixed onto the plurality of prongs, and the prominent decoration is affixed to the collar.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a method of visually accenting a piece of jewelry. More specifically, the method relates to mounting a prominent decoration over an annular jewelry piece integrated with a plurality of inset ornaments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gemstones are usually secured to a jewelry piece with a plurality of prongs. The jewelry piece may be a ring, a brooch, a pendant, or the like. The gemstone may refer to diamond, opal, sapphire, topaz, or similar precious stones known in the relevant arts. To mount the gemstone to the jewelry piece, the plurality of prongs is mounted in a circular fashion onto the ring. The gemstone is then positioned between the plurality of prongs and each of the plurality of prongs is pressed against the gemstone, thereby creating a press fit engagement. However, this method of mounting the gemstone presents several problems. For example, the plurality of prongs conceals multiple portions of the gemstone and detracts from the overall visual appearance of the gemstone. Further, in the case of a jewelry piece with a plurality of gemstones, the plurality of prongs obstructs light as it passes through each gemstone. This diminishes the contrast between the gemstones and diminishes the overall effect of the light bouncing off each of the gemstone.

The present invention is a method of mounting a large gemstone onto a jewelry piece with a plurality of inset gemstones. The large gemstone is overlaid over the plurality of inset gemstones with the help of a collar and a plurality of prongs. The plurality of prongs is soldered or welded onto the holes in the outer surface of the jewelry piece created by removing some inset gemstones. The collar is suspended over the plurality of inset gemstones by the plurality of prongs. Accordingly, the collar allows the large gemstone to be suspended over the plurality of inset gemstones. Further, the use of the collar also enables the use of a plurality of thin upper prongs to secure the gemstone. The large gemstone is pinched between the collar and the plurality of thin upper prongs, thereby securely attaching the large gemstone to the jewelry piece. As a result, the large gemstone overlaps the plurality of inset gemstones thereby changing the lighting characteristics of the jewelry piece. More specifically, the large gemstone exerts an effect on the plurality of inset gemstones according to the refractive indices of the inset gemstones. This enhances the overall visual appearance and lighting characteristics of the jewelry piece.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the overall process for the method of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the subprocess of soldering or welding the plurality of prongs into the plurality of mounting holes.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the subprocess of suspending the collar over the plurality of inset ornaments.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the subprocess of is orienting the culet of the prominent decoration towards the table of the plurality of proximal ornaments.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the subprocess of is a specifying the number of crown-bracing arms, the plurality of prongs, and the specified clearance.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the subprocess of affixing the prominent decoration onto the plurality of crown-bracing arms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is a method of visually accenting a piece of jewelry. The method relates to enhancing the visual appearance of the jewelry piece by altering the lighting characteristics of gemstones integrated into the jewelry piece. Referring to FIG. 1-FIG. 3, an annular jewelry piece, a plurality of prongs, a collar, and a prominent decoration is provided, wherein the annular jewelry piece includes a plurality of inset ornaments integrated into an outer surface of the annular jewelry piece (Step A). The annular piece of jewelry may be a ring, a broach, a pendant, or the like. The plurality of prongs refers to metal projections of tines that connect to the collar and securely suspends the prominent decoration over the annular jewelry piece. Similarly, the collar is a metal ring that laterally supports and centers the prominent decoration on the annular jewelry piece. Preferably, the plurality of inset ornaments may be soldered, welded, glued, or fastened onto the exterior surface of the annular jewelry piece. The prominent decoration may have a color that complements the color of the plurality of inset ornaments. The plurality of prongs and the collar help mount the prominent decoration onto the outer surface of the annular jewelry piece. More specifically, the prominent decoration rests on top of the collar, while being suspended over the plurality of inset ornaments by the plurality of prongs. To mount the prominent decoration onto the annular jewelry piece, a foundational surface is cleared from the outer surface by removing at least one specific ornament form the plurality of inset ornaments (Step B). However, depending on the size of the prominent decoration, several inset ornaments may be removed.

Once the at least one specific ornament is removed, a plurality of mounting holes is drilled into the foundational surface (Step C). The plurality of mounting holes may have a shallow depth that does not penetrate deeply into the annular jewelry piece. This preserves the structural integrity of the annular jewelry piece. Each of the plurality of prongs is affixed into a corresponding hole from the plurality of mounting holes (Step D). Each of the plurality of prongs may be soldered, welded, glued, or fastened with a screw onto the corresponding hole. Once the plurality of prongs is securely mounted, the collar is affixed onto the plurality of prongs (Step E). Preferably, the collar is permanently affixed to the plurality of prongs. The prominent decoration is then affixed into the collar, offset from the outer surface by a specified clearance (Step F). The specified clearance between the prominent decoration and the plurality of inset ornaments alters the lighting characteristics of the prominent decoration and the plurality of inset ornaments. By adjusting the specified clearance, the lighting of the prominent decoration and the plurality of inset ornaments can be manipulated to create a more visually pleasing appearance.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Step A through Step F are executed in sequence. In alternate embodiments, the Step A through Step F may be executed non-sequentially. For example, the collar may be attached to the plurality of prongs before the plurality of mounting holes are drilled into the foundational surface. Further, alternate embodiments, may repeat Step B to Step F for the same annular jewelry piece. For example, 1-3 prominent decorations can be mounted onto a single annular jewelry piece by repeating Step B to Step F. This may be desirable to further enhance the visual appearance of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, in the preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of prongs is soldered or welded into the corresponding hole from the plurality of mounting holes during Step D. This permanently affixes the plurality of prongs to the mounting hole.

Referring to FIG. 5, each of the plurality of prongs is provided with a proximal and a distal end. The proximal end is the end closest to the foundational surface, whereas the distal end is the end that is farthest away. As such, the proximal end for each of the plurality of prongs is affixed into a corresponding hole from the plurality of mounting holes during Step D. The proximal end is preferably soldered or welded into the corresponding hole, thereby permanently affixing the proximal end into the mounting hole. The collar is positioned offset from the outer surface during Step E. More specifically, the collar is positioned adjacent to the distal end for each of the plurality of prongs during Step E. Preferably, the plurality of prongs is distributed equally around the collar. Alternately, the plurality of prongs may be distributed unequally. Once the plurality of prongs is positioned in the desired manner, each of the plurality of prongs is affixed around the collar during Step E. Preferably, the plurality of prongs is soldered or welded onto the collar. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the specified clearance is created by attaching the collar on the distal end of the plurality of the prongs. Depending on the height of the prominent decoration, the plurality of prongs may be lengthened or shortened. As such, the length of the plurality of prongs may be altered to adjust the specified clearance between the prominent decoration and the plurality of inset ornaments. For example, the plurality of prongs may be shortened to accommodate an exceptionally small prominent decoration. Similarly, the plurality of prongs may be lengthened to accommodate a large prominent decoration.

Referring to FIG. 6, a plurality of proximal ornaments located within the foundation surface is provided. The plurality of proximal ornaments refers to the inset ornaments located directly below the prominent decoration. Given the curved surface of the annular jewelry piece, the plurality of proximal ornaments refers to the inset ornaments that are located directly beneath the girdle of the prominent decoration. More specifically, a culet of the prominent decoration is oriented towards a table for each of the plurality of proximal ornaments. Light entering the prominent decoration is thus concentrated and redirected onto the plurality of proximal ornaments, thereby making the plurality of proximal ornaments more visible. This also enhances the overall visual appearance of the plurality of inset ornaments.

Referring to FIG. 7, depending on the size of the prominent decoration, the plurality of prongs may be 4 to 6 prongs. Generally, it is desirable to minimize the number of prongs to keep the plurality of prongs hidden behind the prominent decoration. This gives the appearance that the prominent decoration is floating over the plurality of inset ornaments.

Referring to FIG. 8, in the preferred embodiment, a press fit mechanism fastens the prominent decoration to the collar. The press-fit mechanism fastens the prominent decoration without damaging or tarnishing the exterior surface of the prominent decoration. Accordingly, a plurality of crown-bracing arms is provided. As such, the plurality of crown-bracing arms is configured to presses down on of the crown of the prominent decoration. In the preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of crown-bracing arms is a curved prong which points into the collar. As such, the plurality of crown-bracing arms is oriented away from the foundational surface. Preferably, each of the plurality of crown-bracing arms is affixed around the collar during Step F. In the affixed position, the prominent decoration is pinched between the plurality of crown-bracing arms and the collar. This creates the press fit engagement which secures the prominent decoration to the collar without damaging or tarnishing the prominent decoration. Preferably, the plurality of crown-bracing arms is slightly bendable. As such, the plurality of crown-bracing arms can be bent outwards to release the prominent decoration from the collar.

Referring back to FIG. 8, depending on the size and shape of the prominent decoration, the plurality of crown-bracing arms is 4 or more arms. Preferably, the minimum number of crown-bracing arms are utilized to create an unobstructed view of the prominent decoration. As with the plurality of prongs, the plurality of crown-bracing arms may be distributed equally around the collar.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of inset ornaments and the prominent decoration are gemstones. The annular jewelry piece may be a ring, brooch, pendant, etc., covered in part by the plurality of inset ornaments is a gemstone selected from, but not limited to, zircon, spinel, garnet, black diamond, and/or peridot of 2 to 20 millimeters (mm) in size. The plurality of inset ornaments may have a round, square, oval or marquise shape. Further, the prominent decoration is a gemstone that is significantly larger than the plurality of inset ornaments. More specifically, the prominent decoration may be selected from, but not limited to, sapphire, tourmaline, opal, etc.

As previously mentioned, the prominent decoration is suspended over the plurality of proximal ornaments with the aid of the plurality of prongs. The overall effect is to make the prominent decoration appear unattached. In the preferred embodiment, the specified clearance ranges between 0.1 millimeter to 2.0 millimeter. At the lowest clearance of 0.1 millimeter, the prominent decoration may be just resting on the table of one of plurality of proximal ornaments. At the highest clearance, the prominent decoration may be suspended slightly above the table of one of plurality of proximal ornaments. The clearance is adjusted to change the lighting characteristics of the prominent decoration and the plurality of inset ornaments. More specifically, by adjusting the clearance, the prominent decoration exerts an effect on the appearance of the plurality of inset ornaments according to the relative refractive indices. Thus, the prominent decoration may be different from the plurality of inset ornaments in color or hue in a novel and non-obvious way.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of visually accenting a piece of jewelry, the method comprises the steps of: (A) providing an annular jewelry piece, a plurality of prongs, a collar, and a prominent decoration, wherein the annular jewelry piece includes a plurality of inset ornaments integrated into an outer surface of the annular jewelry piece; (B) clearing a foundational surface from the outer surface by removing at least one specific ornament from the plurality of inset ornaments; (C) drilling a plurality of mounting holes into the foundational surface; (D) affixing each of the plurality of prongs into a corresponding hole from the plurality of mounting holes; (E) affixing the collar onto the plurality of prongs; and (F) affixing the prominent decoration into the collar, offset from the outer surface by a specified clearance.
 2. The method of visually accenting a piece of jewelry, the method as claimed in claim 1, wherein steps (A) through (F) are executed in sequence.
 3. The method of visually accenting a piece of jewelry, the method as claimed in claim 1 comprises the step of: soldering or welding each of the plurality of prongs into the corresponding hole from the plurality of mounting holes during step (D).
 4. The method of visually accenting a piece of jewelry, the method as claimed in claim 1 comprises the step of: providing a proximal end and a distal end for each of the plurality of prongs; affixing the proximal end for each of the plurality of prongs into a corresponding hole from the plurality of mounting holes during step (D); positioning the collar offset from the outer surface during step (E); positioning the collar adjacent to the distal end for each of the plurality of prongs during step (E); and affixing each of the plurality of prongs around the collar during step (E).
 5. The method of visually accenting a piece of jewelry, the method as claimed in claim 1 comprises the steps of: providing a plurality of proximal ornaments located within the foundation surface, wherein the plurality of proximal ornaments is from the plurality of inset ornaments; and orienting a culet of the prominent decoration towards a table for each of the plurality of proximal ornaments.
 6. The method of visually accenting a piece of jewelry, the method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of prongs is 4 to 6 prongs.
 7. The method of visually accenting a piece of jewelry, the method as claimed in claim 1 comprises the step of: providing a plurality of crown-bracing arms; orienting the plurality of crown-bracing arms away from the foundational surface; affixing each of the plurality of crown-bracing arms around the collar during step (F); and pressing the plurality of crown-bracing arms against the prominent decoration.
 8. The method of visually accenting a piece of jewelry, the method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of crown-bracing arms is 4 or more arms.
 9. The method of visually accenting a piece of jewelry, the method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of inset ornaments and the prominent decoration are gemstones.
 10. The method of visually accenting a piece of jewelry, the method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the specified clearance ranges between 0.1 millimeter to 2.0 millimeter.
 11. A method of visually accenting a piece of jewelry, the method comprises the steps of: (A) providing an annular jewelry piece, a plurality of prongs, a collar, and a prominent decoration, wherein the annular jewelry piece includes a plurality of inset ornaments integrated into an outer surface of the annular jewelry piece, and wherein the plurality of inset ornaments and the prominent decoration are gemstones; (B) clearing a foundational surface from the outer surface by removing at least one specific ornament from the plurality of inset ornaments; (C) drilling a plurality of mounting holes into the foundational surface; (D) affixing each of the plurality of prongs into a corresponding hole from the plurality of mounting holes; (E) affixing the collar onto the plurality of prongs; and (F) affixing the prominent decoration into the collar, offset from the outer surface by a specified clearance, wherein the specified clearance ranges between 0.1 millimeter to 2.0 millimeter.
 12. The method of visually accenting a piece of jewelry, the method as claimed in claim 11, wherein steps (A) through (F) are executed in sequence.
 13. The method of visually accenting a piece of jewelry, the method as claimed in claim 11 comprises the step of: soldering or welding each of the plurality of prongs into the corresponding hole from the plurality of mounting holes during step (D).
 14. The method of visually accenting a piece of jewelry, the method as claimed in claim 11 comprises the step of: providing a proximal end and a distal end for each of the plurality of prongs; affixing the proximal end for each of the plurality of prongs into a corresponding hole from the plurality of mounting holes during step (D); positioning the collar offset from the outer surface during step (E); positioning the collar adjacent to the distal end for each of the plurality of prongs during step (E); and affixing each of the plurality of prongs around the collar during step (E).
 15. The method of visually accenting a piece of jewelry, the method as claimed in claim 11 comprises the steps of: providing a plurality of proximal ornaments located within the foundation surface, wherein the plurality of proximal ornaments is from the plurality of inset ornaments; and orienting a culet of the prominent decoration towards a table for each of the plurality of proximal ornaments.
 16. The method of visually accenting a piece of jewelry, the method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the plurality of prongs is 4 to 6 prongs.
 17. The method of visually accenting a piece of jewelry, the method as claimed in claim 11 comprises the step of: providing a plurality of crown-bracing arms; orienting the plurality of crown-bracing arms away from the foundational surface; affixing each of the plurality of crown-bracing arms around the collar during step (F); and pressing the plurality of crown-bracing arms against the prominent decoration.
 18. The method of visually accenting a piece of jewelry, the method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the plurality of crown-bracing arms is 4 or more arms. 